P1.7-M ‘misdeclared’ white onions seized, 4 Chinese arrested
Authorities confiscate white onions valued at P1.7 million, allegedly misdeclared as ‘chicken karaage strips,’ in an operation at a warehouse in Barangay Laug in Mexico, Pampanga on Saturday, April 26, 2025. — Photo from the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group
MANILA, Philippines — Authorities confiscated allegedly misdeclared white onions valued at P1.7 million, arresting four Chinese suspects, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) said on Wednesday.
The onions were seized from two trailer trucks with 40-foot shipping containers last Saturday at a warehouse in Barangay Laug in Mexico, Pampanga, the CIDG said in a statement.
“[T]he suspects declared in the documents that their products are ‘chicken karaage strips’ (Japanese fried chicken). However, upon inspection, it was found out that the products are white onions,” the police said.
“[T]he suspects allegedly misdeclared the onions as chicken karaage strips to evade the payment of correct taxes and duties due the government,” it added.
The CIDG identified the suspects as “Shengren,” “Jialong,” “Wei” and “Dewen.”
READ: CIDG seizes 4 container vans with alleged ‘misdeclared’ goods
The suspects face charges before the National Prosecution Service for alleged violations of Republic Act 12022 or the Anti-Agricultural Sabotage Act, in relation to RA 10845 or the Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Act.
